ABSTRACT
The dilatometer consists of a stainless steel blade with a circular, thin steel membrane mounted flat on one face. The blade is driven vertically into the soil using pushing rigs adapted from those used in the CPT. Penetration is halted every 20 cm and a test is performed by inflating the membrane and taking a series of pressure readings at prescribed displacements. The test is suitable for a wide variety of soils such as clay, sand, silt and hard formations. While the flat dilatometer test (DMT) is a commercial tool used worldwide in geotechnical investigation, only relatively recently have attempts been made to establish guidelines for good practice and to gain a more systematic understanding of interpretation and design applications. Understandably, this recent progress coincides with increasing acceptance of the DMT as a routine site investigation tool.
